It's hard to believe it's the first Friday in September. Where has summer gone? The morning glories are still blooming, but that won't last long. The Japanese maples are starting to color, and the goldenrod is bursting into bloom.

I had a busy week. I had fun catching up with friends this week. I also attended a preview of fall beauty trends at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie. It was a blast - my kind of party! Fueled by champagne, I visited with my beauty industry friends, trying out the newest products. When the party was ending, I was still taking notes!

What's new in beauty land that I hadn't seen or tried? Kate Somerville has a new eye cream, exclusive to Neiman Marcus, that I'll start testing this weekend. Sisley has new products on the way for October. There's a to-die-for anti-aging mask, a treatment foundation, and a new fragrance on the way. I'll tell you about the mask this weekend. La Prairie has a new serum/moisturizer treatment. I have had a few packet samples, but have been holding off on introducing it to you. I like to use a skin-care product more than a couple of times before I recommend it. Lancôme's new Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector looks miraculous, and, as you know, Le Métier de Beauté's fabulous new skin care is available now. There's more, including AmorePacific. I'll catch you up on all of it in the next few weeks.

On the color front, I got a sneak peek at Dior's and YSL's upcoming color collections. There will be a lot to love. I'll show you my newest goodies from Bobbi Brown in the next few days. They're gorgeous. I'm really excited about the golden Shimmer Brick that will be available for the holidays.

On the fragrance front, I played with Prada Candy (have had a sample - have no idea why I kept forgetting to try it), and we talked about Bottega Veneta Eau de Parfum. Did you know that Aqua Universalis Forte is available? It's a much more concentrated version of the original, and it's on my must-have list. It's one I might give up an arm to acquire.

Over the new few weeks, I'll give you a more detailed look at everything I got to see and try. It was the highlight of my week. I was surrounded by the latest in beauty and like-minded friends. Who could ask for more?

It's time for The Friday Forum, our open chat. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist this week? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers have moved on.

Don't forget the giveaway contest for Giorgio Armani Beauty's Blushing Fabric! The deadline for entries is tomorrow, September 3, at midnight. It's a gorgeous cheek color. The winner will be a lucky gal.

I hope you enjoy this Labor Day weekend. I've got food, reading, and rest on my agenda. Maybe I'll even find someone to apply Bodacious Bordeaux so I can show it to you.